And after those patchy prequels, director JJ Abrams has played things safe by delivering a movie that, while offering more bang for your buck than the Death Star’s superlaser, looks an awful lot like the 1977 movie that started it all.

The charitable could call it a loving homage – others a bizarre rerun.

We return to a time long ago in a galaxy far, far away to learn that, after the defeat of the Empire by the Rebel Alliance, Luke Skywalker has gone missing.

With the sinister First Order now spreading their shadow across the galaxy, the hunt is on for the vanished Jedi knight – the one man who can challenge the dark side of the Force.

Rescuing the Millennium Falcon from a scrapheap, Rey and Finn join forces with Wookiee Chewbacca and rogue smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to take on the forces of darkness.

When it comes to action and excitement, Abrams’ film is a triumph. Among the highlights are a chase scene between the Millennium Falcon and Tie Fighters and a couple of thrilling lightsaber duels.

Also, the First Order have built a weapon that makes the original films’ Death Star look like a child’s water pistol – and the film climaxes in a shocking life-or-death encounter that will leave fans gobsmacked.

When it comes to originality, Abrams is on shakier ground. Anyone who’s seen the first film may experience more than just a whiff of déjà vu.

This is an admirable film but not a confident one. Here’s hoping the next instalment, due in May 2017, melds edge-of-the-seat thrills with a few fresher ideas.

Head to the cinema and see for yourself! Star Wars: The Force Awakens is out now!